Blue Ball

Just been for a lunchtime meal with my mum and her brothers and sisters. They're all in their 80s. The food wasn't too quick to arrive (as it was obviously cooked to order) but it was worth waiting for. They have clearly addressed the negative comments from earlier this year. Service was good. The waitress was obviously new to the job but made a good job of it, checking everything was OK, did we need anything else etc...

Prices are fair. 2 lunchtime meals for £15 and they're definitely good value at that. The "full price" mains are comparable with other pubs.

Good pub, good food, nice atmosphere.

Awful food and even worse service. Food is expensive and poor quality. Says fresh but it tastes frozen. Stale bread on our burgers and the worst frozen chips. Stay away.

I called for lunch on Sunday 14/01/2024. Had carvery. Great choice, three meats and plenty of veg and Yorkshire puddings. Good value, will call again.

Is under new management. We had our Sunday lunch there. Food was excellent, staff friendly. We will certainly be going again.

The tastiest Sunday lunch I've ever eaten. The whole family enjoyed it very much. The staff were very accommodating.

Been today, 21st August 2014. After half hour wait, the two meals were very disappointing.

OK, two for £6. But usually use Peacock (Stannington), Old Horns (Bradfield), are really good value. Large meals, too much sometimes.

But the liver meal, and pork dinner, were disgusting. My husband's pork was fatty and greasy, my portion of liver was 3-4 strips. One roast potato. Hardly any gravy on pork. Will not be using this pub again.

Also, no one asked us if our meal was okay!

We have just had two burgers. Extremely poor value, the burger had clearly been cooked and reheated, making it dry and rubbery, and likewise the frozen chips had been cooked several hours ago.

When we complained the waitress didn't seem bothered, eventually offering us either a tea/coffee or ice cream, both of which were declined. To compound the issue the landlady, who was swanning around, obviously didn't care about customer satisfaction, as she never bothered to even come across to apologise (the pub was virtually empty, which says a lot).

We live local but will not be visiting again. It has certainly gone downhill since the previous owners.

Never thought I would say it but would rather go to McDonald's. Better value and they taste better!

Have been using this pub for years, but I went last Sunday and it was awful. The server was nowhere to be seen, and then when she appeared she stunk of smoke. The food was dry and overcooked. What's happened?

Was shown this pub a few years ago and often visit for the best carvery I have ever had. We have never had cause for complaint and the staff are very helpful. They try to get you a table as soon as they can if busy. You are never rushed even when people are waiting to be seated.

There is always a lot of meat carved onto your plate and you can keep returning for veg etc... if you want to.

Called in this pub on Sunday and what a pleasant surprise. Very good indeed and will be returning.

Went there on Sunday with family and had the carvery. The beef was just so good and really had too much on my plate (not a complaint here). Good choice of nicely cooked veg and spud options.

When quality and price are all considered, I would say this was the best carvery-type meal I've ever had.

I have just returned home with my family after a meal in this pub. We have been going to this pub for years. We have always enjoyed our meals out there.

First of all I tried to contact to arrange a booking and there was no answer on the phone.

We turned up and were told that we could have a table.

We sat down and ordered our meal. However when it arrived some of the chips were raw. We told the girl who was serving. All we got in return was a very bad attitude. She took all the meals away. My husband had had an accident with the vinegar and his chips were covered in vinegar. When the meals and chips arrived back my eldest daughter took a bite of one of the chips and complained of it tasting of vinegar. These were quite obviously the same chips as what were took away. However, the girl serving said that they were fresh chips.

When my husband went to pay he calmly expressed that he was not happy with the service we had received. However, the girl then gave him grief and said if were didn't believe her that the chips were cooked we should go and feel how hot the chip fryer was! I said that my main complaint was not the chips but of her attitude towards us. She then told me in no uncertain terms that if we didn't like it we should eat elsewhere. Of that you can be certain we will.

We have eaten at your pub 3 times this month at approximately £50 per time. I hope you're pleased with your member of staff. On our departure I asked her who owned the pub, as I wanted to complain and she told me she owned it. It seemed obvious to me that she didn't, as no owner would treat their paying customers as she had. I researched on the internet when I got home to find that someone called Ben owned it. I phoned back to the pub and the gentleman that answered told me that she was the manager and not the owner.

I look forward to hearing from you with your comments!

Yours

A disgusted long term customer.

Mrs L Hubbard

Just been here and waited 1 1/2 hours for something to eat as not served till 5PM. Did not mind, as in the past seemed friendly enough.

Just before food serving time we were asked if we would like to leave if our children could not behave. I admit Christmas lights were been put up so they were quite excited but certainly not misbehaving. On reflection I think this was due to her not wanting her lights to be spoilt. She also tried to make the excuse that someone had complained (or had not as we had been sat at the side of them).

The main thing I would say is that if you have children avoid this place, as they are obviously not welcome.

And I am sorry but I would have thought during the recession they would try and keep custom

Excellent food and drink in a very comfortable and pleasant environment. The staff are very friendly and most welcoming. Well done and keep up the good work.

Very good menu, very efficient staff.

The lunch time 2-for-a-fiver is excellent value for money.

The Sunday carvey is awesome, get yourself down and support your local.

After a closure lasting 17 months, the Blue Ball pub in Wharncliffe Side has come back to life under the management of the local duo, Tony Crofts and Jane Fletcher. The reopening, which was just in time for Christmas, marks a significant moment for the community, with plans to restore the Blue Ball to its position at the heart of the village.

Tony Crofts, a Wharncliffe Side native who grew up just behind the pub, expressed his emotional connection to the establishment, stating that upon re-entering as the new landlord, he "knew [he] was home." He and Jane have ambitious plans to rejuvenate the Blue Ball, turning it into a community hub once again.

The pub initially reopened its doors on Friday, 15th December 2023, with a lively karaoke disco and a free buffet to celebrate its rebirth. Reflecting on the pub's historical significance, Tony highlighted that the Blue Ball, a traditional and cozy establishment dating back to the 1800s, had served as a Whitbread's Exchange Brewery pub and was originally three houses. "It's a lovely place; it just needs bringing back to life," he emphasised.

As part of their vision for the pub, Tony and Jane are set to introduce food to the menu from the second week of January 2024. The menu will feature classic pub dishes such as fish and chips, and patrons can look forward to a Sunday carvery. Additionally, a midweek carvery on Wednesdays is in the pipeline for the future.

Tony Crofts emphasised that the Blue Ball doesn't belong solely to him and Jane but rather to the villagers, with the duo serving as guardians. The reopening of this historic pub signifies not just a return to business but a revival of a cherished community space, making it a place for locals to gather, socialise, and create new memories.

Village local the Blue Ball in Wharncliffe Side had applied to extend their opening hours until 1AM weeknights and 2AM Friday and Saturday. Local residents have voiced objections to the plans, citing concerns that the village pub would turn into a nightclub if the extended serving hours were granted. Following a licensing hearing, city councillors have granted an extended licence until 11:30PM in the week and Midnight at weekends. Owners Ben Green and John Wyke were also granted an extra entertainment licence that now includes dancing. However, music or dancing is banned in any form in the beer garden or car park.